Double Coverage

by Meghan Quinn

  “But, you don’t get it,” Ryker tried to counter.

  “No, Ryker, I get it. You’re a player and that is why I am with Todd because I know when I come home, I can rely on the fact that he will be there waiting for me.”

  “More like you waiting for him,” Ryker muttered.

  “What did you say?”

  “Oh, come on, Hannah, who are you kidding? Todd will never be there for you the way that I will be. I can give you so much more than he can.”

  “Oh, and what’s that? Anxiety over whether or not you’re cheating on me?” Fire flamed in her eyes and Ryker was so confused as to why Hannah had all of a sudden flipped a switch and turned into a nasty bitch.

  “What is your problem?” Ryker shot back. “We were having a nice time before you looked at those pictures. I told you not to look at them and now you’re pissed at me, even though we aren’t in a relationship. Jesus, this is so fucked-up Hannah. You’re acting like my jealous girlfriend, yet we aren’t in a relationship because, if we were, you can bet your ass I’d be spending time with you in my bed and not at a bar.”

  “That’s all I am to you, isn’t it? Just another notch on your belt.”

  “Fucking Christ on a cracker. You are psychotic.”

  “You are…you are…” Hannah looked around and then said, “You’re a fucking ass.” Then she walked away, while throwing the towel that was in her hand on the bar. “Stay away from me, Ryker. I don’t need your toxic energy surrounding me. Go torture another girl; I’m sure there are others just waiting in line to be with you. Oh hey, I heard Ashlin is available.”

  She closed the door to the back room and Ryker stood there, stunned. Hannah never swore, ever. She didn’t believe in it but he just caused her to go against her beliefs. Hearing the harsh words out of Hannah’s mouth felt like daggers piercing his heart. Normally, such a comment wouldn’t bother him coming from someone else, but from Hannah it was a giant slap in the face that coursed through his body. Fuck. The moment he thought things were normal between them, he goes and screws them up again. Maybe he should take her advice and just be with Ashlin. At least he knew he would be getting some hot fucking action with Ashlin and he wouldn’t have to deal with the hot and cold torture Hannah was giving him.

  ***

  Hannah sat down on the crate box that was in the back room. She breathed heavily as her hands held her head in disgust. Why did she just swear like a sailor at Ryker and totally lose her cool? All she knew was, the moment she saw Ryker gripping Ashlin in such a provocative way, her vision turned red and she wanted to hurt Ryker; she wanted to hurt him for the way she was hurting.

  She hurt because her boyfriend was…nowhere to be found in their relationship. The guy that showed interest in her was now groping other women and completely unavailable in her eyes, and all she wanted to do was throw herself into Ryker’s arms because she knew he would give her more comfort than Todd ever could, but she couldn’t trust Ryker the way she trusted Todd.

  Todd might not be around as much, but she knew that when he was gone, he was faithful. He made sure to call her, send her gifts and show her as much love as possible when he wasn’t around. Ryker had women throwing themselves at him all the time and now was in a very heavy sexual campaign with one of the hottest girls in the country. How was she supposed to trust the fact that he wasn’t getting frisky with Ashlin? And why did she care?

  Ugh, she wanted to slap herself across the face and wake herself up. She was only thinking crazy thoughts because she hadn’t seen Todd in a while and she was looking for comfort in other forms. If anyone should be called names, it should be her. She was the one who was bordering the line of being unfaithful. She hadn’t done anything unfaithful, but she did have thoughts. But that was normal for any red-blooded human being, right?

  Disgusted with herself, she stood up, brushed off her apron, and went back to work. Luckily, when she returned, Ryker was gone but there was a note with a twenty to cover the cost of his drink that was next to the register. Hannah opened the note and felt even more awful.

  Hannah,

  I’m sorry for upsetting you. I don’t know what you want, but if you really want me to back off so you can be happy, then I will.

  Ryker

  Why did life have to be so difficult?

  ***

  Game day. Mason was pumped. He kicked ass this past week at practice, wanting to shove Jax’s face in his own stupidity for taking Mason out last week. Plus, Mason was pumped for Piper to watch him play in person. Mason hooked her up with seats on the fifty yard line, on his side a couple rows back from ground level. Any beer-guzzling, belly-painting die-hard Stallions fan would give his left nut and first two children for the seats Mason secured for Piper.

  He was feeling great, better then great, he felt like he was twenty-one again without a worry or care about whether or not he was tackled wrong. He was primed and ready. Jesse and he connected all week on the practice field, reading off of each other and pulling plays out of their asses that they didn’t even know existed. They shut Jax right up all week, which was almost as gratifying as Mason stealing Piper away from him.

  Even though he had yet to confirm her break up with Jax, Mason was feeling confident about his ability to win Piper over. He had never stopped talking to her all week, telling her how much he cared for her, how beautiful she was, and how much he wanted her and needed her. He knew he was destroying the bad-boy image he’d made for himself, but Piper weakened him; she made him turn into complete Jell-O.

  The game started and Mason took off as if he had a jet-pack strapped to his back. He caught every single pass Jesse threw his way. It was as if his hands were magnets and the ball was made of steel.

  “Dude, you are on fucking fire right now,” Ryker said, while clasping him on the back.

  “Thanks, bro. I feel awesome.” Mason turned around to look into the stands, but he didn’t see Piper; he didn’t let it deter him though…she might be in the bathroom. But every time he turned around during the game to see if she was watching, the seats he gave her were empty. Slowly, his confidence started to waver and it started to affect his game.

  “Dashel, get your head in the game and stop scouting for possible hook-ups in the stands,” Jax shouted at him. “We need your head on the field…not in the clouds.”

  Mason’s middle finger itched to show Jax just how he felt, but he knew he couldn’t. He knew if he showed any kind of distaste for his coach, he could get in trouble and give Jax some more fodder to not play him and hell if Mason was going to let that happen.

  The rest of the game, Mason put in the same effort that he did at the beginning of the game and helped his team squeak out their first win of the pre-season. The win was bitter-sweet because Piper wasn’t there to enjoy his win with him. He tried to not think about what her absence meant, but it was hard to not worry that it was her trying to tell him that she chose someone else, that she chose Jax.

  Mason sat on the stool in his locker room and tried to ignore the media that was making their way around the room looking for interviews. They had Jax cornered and the damn prick was taking all the spotlight when, in fact, Jax wasn’t the one who was making the plays out on the field. It made Mason despise the man even more.

  “Your men were great on the field today. What did you change from last weekend?” someone from the press asked Jax.

  “Well, we worked hard this past week and concentrated on making accurate throws and catches. I think the extra practice and time with each other really made the men connect this week.”

  “Does it have anything to do with the fact that Mason Dashel played this weekend?”

  Mason leaned in to hear Jax’s response because Mason sure as hell knew that he was a main contributor to the game today and Mason wanted to see if Jax could admit it.

  “Dashel was spectacular today. He really showed everyone why he is a fan favorite and possible future hall of famer.”

  Mason sat back by his locker, stunned.
Even though he hated the man, Mason had to give him credit for setting aside their differences and calling it like he saw it. Maybe he wasn’t the biggest shithead Mason had ever met.

  “Well, congrats coach on your win and hey, congrats on your engagement as well.”

  Mason’s head shot up as he stared Jax down. Jax just smiled, eyed Mason, and walked away. Did the reporter just say engagement? No fucking way, no God damn fucking way!

  Mason threw his helmet in his locker and took off to find Ryker. He needed someone to tell him it wasn’t true. There was no way in hell Piper was engaged to Jax; it couldn’t be true. Fear pricked at the back of his neck as clues started to connect with each other. Piper was very short with him in her text messages; she wasn’t at the bar all week and she didn’t show up at the game. Jax was actually complimenting Mason and admitted to Mason being a contributor to their win. Was it because Jax felt bad for him? Fucking shit.

  Ryker was in the shower and Mason spun him around so they were eye to eye.

  “Dude, what the fuck man? I know we are close and all, but I kind of like to keep some things a secret between us,” Ryker said, while cupping his hands in front of his junk.

  “Quit the bullshit man and tell me the truth.”

  Ryker looked around and so did Mason. They were causing a scene in the showers and all the guys on the team were staring at them, judging them, but Mason didn’t give a shit.

  “Dude, this so does not look good. Can we finish this when I am not naked and wet and you don’t have death in your eyes?”

  “Is Jax engaged to Piper?”

  Ryker’s face registered total shock. “What?! Fuck, I have no clue. Where did you hear that from?”

  “The reporter said…”

  “He is,” confirmed one of the offensive linemen. “This morning, he asked.”

  Mason spun around to look at the man who just delivered Mason the worst news of his life. What the hell?

  “How do you know? Who fucking told you?”

  “Jesus? You in love with Jax?” The guys all laughed and Mason tore out of the showers, even though Ryker was calling his name. He didn’t want to deal with anyone right now. Pure rage coursed through his body as he dug around in his locker, looking for his phone. He needed his phone. He sent a much needed text.

  Mason: Meet me at my place in twenty minutes, please. I need you…badly.

  Mason had never changed and showered so fast in his life. He passed up any sort of interview and ignored all the guys on his team. He had one thing on his mind and it was to get home, to release the pain he was feeling.

  ***

  “Put the dirty trays over there,” Hannah said to the new girl, who had just started at the bar. Hannah couldn’t help but stare at the girl. She had a slight Italian accent, long brown hair, dark eyes and a beauty mark right under her right eye. She was gorgeous and would sweep any man off his feet.

  She was going to school abroad and needed a part time job. Their boss was paying her under the table, so she wouldn’t have to deal with the hassle of a green card or turning in her student visa. Hannah knew it wasn’t right, but then again, she wasn’t there to judge. The girl just needed some extra cash while she was studying her last year.

  “Perfect, Leela. You’re doing great for your first night.”

  “Well you’re a great teacher,” Leela said with a smile. Lord help the men who walked in the bar; they were going to be falling head over heels in love with her.

  “See you next Sunday, Hannah.” One of the regulars waved to her as he walked out the door.

  The Stallions won their first pre-season game, which was great for the bar because tips went up for her and Leela. No matter if the Stallions won or lost, the bar made great money on Sundays because fans were either drinking away their sorrows from a loss or celebrating a win. Her tips were what suffered when the Stallions lost. Fans seemed to be stingier in the tip department, as if she was the one who had caused the Stallions to lose.

  But thankfully, the Stallions won, so she would be going home with a good little chunk of change. The patrons started to fizzle out after the game to get home and get ready for the work week, only a couple of the retired men stayed behind, giving Hannah the perfect time to train Leela.

  It was a good thing their boss hired someone part-time because Piper was showing up less and less for work. It was starting to scare Hannah because she knew Piper was a runner. She never really stayed in one place and she could sense that the stress of Mason and Jax was only encouraging her to put her running shoes on and pack her bags.

  Hannah didn’t want to lose Piper; she knew they would always stay in contact, but it wouldn’t be like seeing her at the bar almost every night or having their girl time together. No, it would be completely different and Hannah wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the close bond she had formed with Piper. Piper was an amazing outlet to have when it came to Hannah’s relationship with Todd. Piper always listened to Hannah’s complaints about Todd and spent time with her when Hannah was feeling lonely and sad. Who would be there for her if Piper left?

  She used to have Ryker, but then she blew that relationship the other night and now that she thought about it, it was probably for the better because things were starting to get a little uncontrollable with him. Hannah found that she was starting to have feelings for Ryker and that wasn’t good for so many reasons. One of them being that he was a lady’s man, another one…well she was in a relationship with someone else, and then there was the fact that Ryker was a famous football player, that was just setting up her heart for failure.

  Hannah knew the reason why she blew up at Ryker the other night for having his hands all over Ashlin during the photo shoot. She cared for Ryker. Hannah knew she was overreacting and being crazy, but then again, she couldn’t help herself. Then, when he called her psychotic, she lost it. She didn’t like how Ryker made her react; she never swore or acted out and she did both of those things, acting like some crazy, jealous girlfriend. She was embarrassed and ashamed of herself. Just thinking about the encounter made her ears heat up from embarrassment.

  She tried to push the awful memory behind her as she tallied up the night’s tabs. Todd was supposed to be coming back home in two days, so she should think about things she wanted to do with him when he got back. She thought maybe they could go for a hike or maybe rent some kayaks or possibly go camping. The cold weather would be on its way soon, bringing in the leaf changes and brisk air, so she wanted to get in as many outdoor activities as possible. Todd wasn’t much of an outdoorsy kind of guy. He would rather hang out at the pool or ride around on a Segway then trek up a mountain to enjoy a view, but Hannah knew with a little bit of coaxing she would be able to get Todd to strap his hiking boots on.

  “Shall I go check the bathrooms for…grime?” Leela asked.

  Bless her soul, Hannah thought. “That would be great, thanks. The cleaning supplies are in the closet next to the bathrooms. If you need help, let me know.”

  “I’ll be fine, thank you.”

  Leela sauntered off and Hannah noticed that all the old men watched Leela sashay her way to the back of the bar to clean the bathrooms. Yup, she was going to be a serious heartbreaker.

  Hannah was wiping down the bar when she heard someone clear their throat. Hannah looked up and made eye contact with a beautiful blonde, with blue eyes and a cute little toddler on her hip. Hannah checked the clock and thought that it was a little odd the lady would have her child in a bar at this hour…well, that she would have a child in the bar at all.

  “Hi, can I get you something?” Hannah asked, while putting on her best smile.

  “Yes, I’m looking for a girl named Hannah?”

  The hairs on the back of Hannah’s neck started to tingle, making her feel incredibly uneasy. “Uh, that’s me. What can I do for you?”

  “You’re Hannah?” the lady said, while looking her up and down making Hannah feel more exposed than ever.

  “Yes. I’m sorry, I didn’t
catch your name.”

  “That’s because I didn’t give it to you,” the lady snapped. Whoa, what was her problem?

  “Well, uh, what would you like?”

  “Oh, I just wanted to stop by and tell you to stop fucking my husband.”

  Hannah’s eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets, not just from the brash language the lady used, but from the obnoxious accusation she’d just laid out.

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “Drop the doe-eyed look, bitch. I know you’ve been screwing my husband for years now. How dare you destroy my family? We have a child together and now that child is going to grow up in a broken home because you couldn’t keep your little pussy inside your pants.”

  Hannah was speechless, absolutely speechless. She had no clue what to say. Her stomach was starting to roll and she knew she was going to lose the contents of her very small dinner all over the bar if she didn’t get a handle on her emotions soon.

  “I don’t know…”

  “Todd, you’re dating Todd, right?”

  “Yes…” Hannah drawled out.

  “Yeah, Todd is my husband, you dumb whore. Ever wonder why he’s never around? It’s because he has a house, a wife and a two-year-old daughter in New York. Does he always say he’s on business? News flash, on business means he’s home with his family. He does business out in Denver, not in New York.”

  Hannah felt her world flip upside down. The room started to turn and she was unable to breathe. Her arms caught the back of the bar as she fell backwards, shaking her head no. There was no way Todd was married…was he? Clues from the past started flashing in front of Hannah. The asinine reasons as to why he was never with her for holidays, his extremely long stays for business, the indent from a ring on his ring finger that he claimed was from his class ring. God, she was a moron…no one wore class rings anymore.

  “I didn’t…I don’t…oh my God,” Hannah was speechless.